USA Cycling, the governing body for bicycle racing in the United States, has established a system of racing categories to classify riders based on their skill and experience levels. These categories help ensure fair competition by grouping riders of similar abilities together. The categories for Road, Track and Cyclocross range from Category 5 (beginner level) to Category 1 (highest level). Here's an overview of the USA Cycling road, track and Cyclocross racing categories:
Category Novice (Cat NOV): This is the entry-level category for beginners who are new to racing. Cat Novice races are typically shorter and less challenging compared to higher categories, to ensure athletes are having fun and enjoying racing. Riders in this category often are learning the basics of racing and bike handling skills.
Category 4 (Cat 4): Once a rider gains some experience and results in Cat NOV, they can upgrade to Cat 4. Cat 4 races are longer and more competitive than Beginner races. Riders in this category are continuing to develop their skills and race tactics. To start preparing riders for the next categories to come Cat 4 athletes will race slightly further or longer in total time.
Category 3 (Cat 3): Cat 3 is the intermediate category where riders have gained more experience and race results. Cat 3 races are longer, more challenging, and faster-paced than Cat 4 races. Riders in this category often have a good understanding of racing tactics and strategies. This is where a lot of athletes will either continue to progress or settle in for the long haul, expect for good mix of abilities from those that are just relatively getting started (< 3 years racing to > 5 years racing experience).
Category 2 (Cat 2): Cat 2 is the advanced category for experienced and highly skilled riders. Cat 2 races are even more competitive, demanding, and faster than Cat 3 races. Riders in this category often have the ambition to compete at the professional level.
Category 1 (Cat 1): Cat 1 is the highest racing category in USA Cycling. Riders in this category are considered elite and have extensive racing experience. Cat 1 races feature top-level competition, including professional riders. These races are the most demanding, challenging, and require a high level of fitness, skills, and tactical knowledge.
The categories for Mountain biking are slightly different. This style of racing range from Category 3 (beginner level) to Category 1 (highest level). Here's an overview of mountain bike categories:
Category Novice (Cat NOV): This is the entry-level category for beginners who are new to racing. Cat 3 races are typically shorter and less challenging compared to higher categories. Riders in this category are often learning the basics of racing and bike handling skills. We keep the distance and race time shorter to allow for new athletes to get a taste of what it could be like without having to commit to a marathon-like race.
Category 2 (Cat 2): Cat 2 is the intermediate category, also called the sport class, where riders have gained more experience and race results. Cat 2 races are longer, more challenging, and faster-paced than Cat Nov races. Riders in this category often have a good understanding of racing tactics and strategies. Races will be slightly longer, courses could be slightly more challenging as well to help you build your technical ability in preparation for the expert or Cat 1 fields.
Category 1 (Cat 1): Cat 1 is the highest racing category in USA Cycling. Riders in this category are considered elite and have extensive racing experience. Cat 1 races feature top-level competition, including professional riders. These races are the most demanding, challenging, and require a high level of fitness, skills, and tactical knowledge.
Mountain Bike Pro Category is the top level of the sport in the U.S.
It's important to note that riders must earn upgrades by meeting specific criteria, which may include obtaining a certain number of race results or accumulating points based on performance. Upgrades provide opportunities for riders to progress and compete at higher levels as they gain experience and demonstrate their skills.
Below you will find a common key to explain how categories will appear in real world examples. Please note USA Cycling race age is determined by their age on December 31st of the calendar year.
| JM 15-18 | Junior men ages 15 – 18 |
| JW 15-18 | Junior men ages 15 – 18 |
| SW 3 | Senior women cat-3 |
| MW 40+ | Master women ages 40 or older |
| SW 4 | Senior women cat-4 |
| MW 50+ | Master women ages 50 or older |
| MM 40+ 4 | Master men 40 or older & cat-4 |
| MM40+ 3 | Master men 40 or older & cat-3 |
| SM4 | Senior men cat-4 |
| SM5 | Senior men cat-5 |
| MM40+ 5 | Master men 40 or older & cat-5 |
| MM50 +(1-2-3) | Master men 50 or older & cat-1, 2, or 3 |
| SM 3 | Senior men cat-3 |
| SW P-1-2 | Senior women pros, cat-1 & cat-2 |
| SM P-1-2 | Senior men pros, cat-1 & cat-2 |
| Men’s Cat 4-5 | Men of any age, cat-4 & cat-5 |
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